Roy Acuff

Roy Claxton Acuff (September 15, 1903 – November 23, 1992) was an American country music singer, fiddler, and promoter. Known as the "King of Country Music", Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the singer-based format that helped make it internationally successful. In 1952, Hank Williams told Ralph Gleason, "He's the biggest singer this music ever knew. You booked him and you didn't worry about crowds. For drawing power in the South, it was Roy Acuff, then God."

Acuff began his music career in the 1930s and gained regional fame as the singer and fiddler for his group, the Smoky Mountain Boys. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1938, and although his popularity as a musician waned in the late 1940s, he remained one of the Opry's key figures and promoters for nearly four decades. In 1942, Acuff and Fred Rose founded Acuff-Rose Music, the first major Nashville-based country music publishing company, which signed such artists as Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers. In 1962, Acuff became the first living inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Data: Born September 15, 1903 (Maynardville), Died November 23, 1992 (Nashville)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1936 - 1956

Roles Represented in DAHR: leader, vocalist, violin, composer, lyricist, songwriter, Musical group, arranger, lead vocal, instrumentalist

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BS-071019 10-in. 9/29/1941 The precious jewel Wade Mainer ; Sons of the Mountaineers String band, with vocal composer  
Victor D6VB-2963 10-in. 9/30/1946 All the world is lonely now Buckeye Boys ; Cliff Carlisle Male vocal solo, with string band songwriter  
Columbia B13 10-in. 3/22/1937 Great speckle bird no.2 Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia HCO807 10-in. 5/28/1942 Wreck on the highway Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, violin, leader, composer, vocalist, lyricist  
Columbia HCO808 10-in. 5/28/1942 Fire ball mail Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO809 10-in. 5/28/1942 I'll reap my harvest in heaven Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo leader, vocalist  
Columbia HCO810 10-in. 5/28/1942 Night train to Memphis Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia H811 10-in. 6/1/1942 Prodigal son Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO812 10-in. 6/1/1942 Low and lonely Roy Acuff ; Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia H813 10-in. 6/1/1942 Write me sweetheart Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist  
Columbia HCO818 10-in. 6/1/1942 They can only fill one grave Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist  
Columbia H820 10-in. 6/4/1942 Don't make me go to bed and I'll be good Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia H822 10-in. 6/4/1942 Not a word from home Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, leader, composer, lyricist  
Columbia H823 10-in. 6/4/1942 Do you wonder why Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, composer, lyricist  
Columbia H824 10-in. 6/4/1942 I'll forgive you but I can't forget Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C1581 10-in. 10/20/1936 Great speckle bird Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans String band, with male vocal solo Musical group, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C1582 10-in. 10/20/1936 My mountain home sweet home Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans String band, with male vocal trio vocalist, Musical group, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia C1589 10-in. 10/21/1936 Wabash Cannon Ball Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans String band, with male vocal solo leader, Musical group  
Columbia C1590 10-in. 10/21/1936 Freight train blues Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans String band, with male vocal solo leader, Musical group  
Columbia C1598 10-in. 10/22/1936 New greenback dollar Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, Musical group, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C1599 10-in. 10/22/1936 Steamboat whistle blues Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans Male vocal solo, with two guitars Musical group, leader  
Columbia HCO2203 10-in. 1/28/1947 I talk to myself about you Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2204 10-in. 1/28/1947 Freight train blues Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2205 10-in. 1/28/1947 (Our own) Jole Blon Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, arranger, leader  
Columbia HCO2206 10-in. 1/28/1947 Tennessee Central (Number 9) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia HCO2207 10-in. 1/28/1947 Wabash Cannon Ball Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2208 10-in. 1/28/1947 There's a big rock in the road Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2209 10-in. 1/28/1947 Po' folks (all the time) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2211 10-in. 1/28/1947 Blue eyes crying in the rain Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2213 10-in. 1/28/1947 The devil's train Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO2214 10-in. 1/28/1947 Short-changed in love Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia HCO2241 10-in. 2/24/1947 It's just that same old line Jimmie Lawson String band, with male vocal solo songwriter  
Columbia C3700 10-in. 4/29/1941 Be honest with me Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3701 10-in. 4/29/1941 Worried mind Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3702 10-in. 4/29/1941 Things that might have been Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C3703 10-in. 4/29/1941 You're my darling Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3704 10-in. 4/29/1941 It won't be long (till I'll be leaving) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3705 10-in. 4/29/1941 Just inside the pearly gates Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet leader, composer, lyricist, vocalist  
Columbia C3706 10-in. 4/29/1941 I know we're saying goodbye Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia C3707 10-in. 4/29/1941 Brother take warning Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3708 10-in. 4/29/1941 The great judgment morning Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3711 10-in. 4/29/1941 You are my love Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia C3712 10-in. 4/29/1941 Branded wherever I go Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia C3713 10-in. 4/29/1941 No letter in the mail Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C3714 10-in. 4/29/1941 Are you thinking of me darling? Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia C3715 10-in. 4/29/1941 I called and nobody answered Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, composer, lyricist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C4311 10-in. 12/19/1944 Blues in my mind Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C4312 10-in. 12/19/1944 (I heard a) silver trumpet Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C4313 10-in. 12/19/1944 Easy rockin' chair Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C4314 10-in. 12/19/1944 It's too late now to worry anymore Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C4315 10-in. 12/19/1944 Wait for the light to shine Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C4371 10-in. 2/17/1945 Searching for a soldier's grave Bailes Brothers Male vocal duet, with string band composer, lyricist  
Columbia C4372 10-in. 2/17/1945 As long as I live Bailes Brothers Male vocal duet, with string band songwriter  
Columbia C4428 10-in. 8/2/1945 No one will ever know Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C4430 10-in. 8/2/1945 I think I'll go home and cry Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia C4431 10-in. 8/2/1945 We live in two different worlds Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia C4432 10-in. 8/2/1945 Pins and needles (in my heart) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4514 10-in. 3/11/1946 Golden treasure Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia HCO4516 10-in. 3/11/1946 Let me be the first to say I'm sorry Roy Acuff ; Smoky Mountain Boys Male vocal solo, with string band vocalist, leader  
Columbia CCO4517 10-in. 3/11/1946 All the world is lonely now Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4518 10-in. 3/11/1946 That glory bound train Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4519 10-in. 3/11/1946 Waiting for my call to glory Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4520 10-in. 3/11/1946 Gone, gone, gone (but not forgotten) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CCO4521 10-in. 3/11/1946 Tell me now or tell me never Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CCO4700 10-in. 12/16/1946 The tear stained letter Cumberland Mountain Folks ; Molly O'Day String band, with male & female vocal duet composer, lyricist  
Columbia CCO4893 10-in. 11/18/1947 When they take that last look at me Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys Male vocal solo, with string band vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CCO4894 10-in. 11/18/1947 This world can't stand long Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist  
Columbia CCO4895 10-in. 11/18/1947 I saw the light Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble vocalist, leader  
Columbia CCO4896 10-in. 11/18/1947 Heartaches and flowers Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CCO4897 10-in. 11/18/1947 The songbirds are singing in heaven Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4898 10-in. 11/18/1947 Unloved and unclaimed Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, songwriter  
Columbia CCO4899 10-in. 11/18/1947 I had a dream Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CCO4900 10-in. 11/19/1947 Thank God Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble vocalist, leader  
Columbia CCO4901 10-in. 11/19/1947 You'll reap these tears Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4902 10-in. 11/19/1947 Its just about time Roy Acuff ; Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Columbia CCO4904 10-in. 11/19/1947 It's so hard to smile Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CCO4905 10-in. 11/19/1947 The waltz of the wind Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Columbia CCO4906 10-in. 11/19/1947 A sinner's death Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist  
Columbia CCO4907 10-in. 11/19/1947 The midnight train Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO40410 10-in. 1/15/1949 Were you there when they crucified my Lord Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, arranger  
Columbia CO40411 10-in. 1/15/1949 Sweeter than the flowers Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO40412 10-in. 1/15/1949 Tennessee waltz Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO40413 10-in. 1/15/1949 The pale horse and his rider Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO40414 10-in. 1/15/1949 Gray eagle Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40415 10-in. 1/15/1949 Dance around Molly Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40416 10-in. 1/15/1949 Black Mountain rag Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40417 10-in. 1/15/1949 Pretty little widow Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys Square dance leader  
Columbia CO40418 10-in. 1/15/1949 Smoky Mountain rag Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40419 10-in. 1/15/1949 Lonesome Indian Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40420 10-in. 1/15/1949 Bully of the town Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO40421 10-in. 1/15/1949 Polk County breakdown Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band leader  
Columbia CO42586 10-in. 12/18/1949 Jesus died for me Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO42587 10-in. 12/18/1949 If I could hear my mother pray again Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO42588 10-in. 12/18/1949 The day they laid Mary away Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CO42589 10-in. 12/18/1949 It's all right now Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45066 10-in. 1/16/1951 Baldknob Arkansas Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo and vocal chorus vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45067 10-in. 1/16/1951 A plastic heart Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45068 10-in. 1/16/1951 Advice to Joe Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, songwriter  
Columbia CO45069 10-in. 1/16/1951 When my money run out (I lost all my friends) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45070 10-in. 1/16/1951 Your address unknown Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45072 10-in. 1/16/1951 Pliney Jane Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45076 10-in. 1/16/1951 Don't hang your dirty linen on my line Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys Male vocal solo, with string band vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45904 10-in. 5/11/1951 Doug Mcarthur Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys Male vocal solo, with string band vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45905 10-in. 5/11/1951 In the shadow of the Smokies Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys Male vocal solo, with string band vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin  
Columbia CO45906 10-in. 5/11/1951 She isn't guaranteed Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO45907 10-in. 5/11/1951 Wonder is all I do Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, composer, lyricist  
Columbia CO46929 10-in. 9/24/1951 Thy burdens are greater than mine Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO46930 10-in. 9/24/1951 Ten little numbers Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo & female vocal trio leader, vocalist, lead vocal  
Columbia CO46931 10-in. 9/24/1951 Just a friend Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Columbia CO46932 10-in. 9/24/1951 My tears don't show Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Brunswick SC72 10-in. 11/3/1938 The great shining light Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, songwriter  
Brunswick B14 10-in. 3/22/1937 Tell Mother I'll be there Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Brunswick MEM40 10-in. 7/5/1939 Smoky Mountain moon Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Brunswick SC68 10-in. 11/3/1938 Smoky Mountain rag Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band vocalist, leader  
Brunswick SC71 10-in. 11/3/1938 That beautiful picture Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal duet vocalist, composer, lyricist  
Brunswick DAL944 10-in. 4/11/1940 Come back little pal Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Brunswick DAL948 10-in. 4/11/1940 Beneath that lonely mound of clay Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, leader  
Brunswick DAL949 10-in. 4/11/1940 The streamlined cannon ball Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader, lyricist, composer  
Brunswick DAL951 10-in. 4/12/1940 Farther along Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin  
Brunswick DAL952 10-in. 4/12/1940 Blue eyed darling Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader  
Brunswick DAL953 10-in. 4/12/1940 The precious jewel Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, composer, lyricist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Brunswick DAL956 10-in. 4/12/1940 Lonesome old river blues Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin  
Brunswick DAL958 10-in. 4/12/1940 Mule skinner blues (Blue yodel #8) Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, instrumentalist, violin, leader  
Brunswick DAL967 10-in. 4/11/1940 Just to ease my worried mind Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys String band, with male vocal solo vocalist, leader, instrumentalist, violin, composer, lyricist  
Decca NA 9202 10/27/1955 Goodbye Mister Brown Roy Acuff ; Kitty Wells vocalist  
Decca NA 9203 10/27/1955 Mother hold me tight Roy Acuff ; Kitty Wells vocalist  
Decca NA 9204 10/27/1955 Crazy worried mind Roy Acuff ; Kitty Wells vocalist  
Decca NA 9205 10/27/1955 Along the China coast Roy Acuff vocalist  
Decca NA 9529 10/19/1956 It's hard to love (and not to be loved) Roy Acuff ; The Smoky Mountain Boys vocalist, leader  
Decca NA 9530 10/19/1956 Plant some flowers by my grave Roy Acuff ; The Smoky Mountain Boys vocalist, leader  
Decca NA 9531 10/19/1956 I wanta be loved Roy Acuff ; The Smoky Mountain Boys vocalist, leader  
Decca NA 9532 10/19/1956 I like mountain music Roy Acuff ; The Smoky Mountain Boys vocalist, leader  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Roy Acuff ," accessed November 21, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/300313.

Roy Acuff . (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/300313.

"Roy Acuff ." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 21 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/300313

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